Rothe House: Archive and Collections Project

This project will increase public access to the collections, archives and stories of Kilkenny through the creation of a visible collections store, enhanced archive facilities and improved research access within Rothe House. The existing Collection Store will be transformed from a closed storage area into a publicly accessible visible-storage space incorporating museum-standard storage bays, integrated object display areas, accessible drawers and a public research workspace. Museum-grade marmoleum flooring will be installed and new storage systems provided to improve both collection care and visitor access. A new public reading room will be created incorporating museum-standard archive shelving, storage and integrated display areas for material from the Kilkenny Archaeological Society library and archives. The project will also provide environmental monitoring equipment for the Collection Store, Reading Room and archive storage areas, plus photographic lightbox equipment and website infrastructure to support the ongoing digitisation of collections. Additional freestanding museum display cabinets will enable a greater proportion of the collection and archive material to be displayed and interpreted for visitors.